So I just bought my first motorcycle. I can't recall any threads here about bikes (I didn't search though, so if there is one sorry lol).

Anyway, I was curious if anyone else rides? If so, what bike?

The bike I just got is a 2007 Suzuki SV650. Its a salvage title, but it was all astetic damage, save for the handle bars which needed to be replaced. It was extremely cheap... so I pretty much got a band new bike (600 miles on it) for thousands less than it would have cost me. I'll slowly repair all astetic damage over time.

Here's a pic of the left side (the side that wasn't dropped lol)

http://i27.tinypic.com/21oqyb.jpg

I just bought a new slip on for it (oval Viper Steel pipe... cheap and I liked the sound), since the stock one is beat to hell. Also, I plan to remove the "shovel", the plastic piece hanging from the back.

Beautiful bike and sounds like you got a great deal with the opportunity for hobby-style improvements over time. Thumbs up!

I am too paranoid to ever ride one, but I'm sure it's a thrill.

I know two people who died and another who lost an arm and a leg on a motorcycle.
Please be sure to wear all of your protective gear and stay at or under the speed limit. Its very easy to say "It won't happen to me" but unlike a car a motorcycle rarely can handle even a single accident.

It looks like a great bike, but do be careful.

I fully intend to be careful. I've spent a lot on gear. I have a full leather jacket with chest, back, shoulder and elbow armor. I have riding pants with armored knees and shins. I have armored boots (though I didn't get the ones I really wanted, these seemed well enough armored). Have some nice gloves with carbon fiber knuckle guards. And, of course, a helmet. I never intend to ride without a single piece of my gear, and I have a great respect for the danger riding a motorcylce puts you in. I've taken the California motorcycle safety course (very educational and saves money on insurance). I don't intend to ride crazy or do anything stupid, but I'm sure thats what everyone says heh.

Beautiful bike!
Now just find empty roads to ride it on so you depend on others to see you like they should. My brother rode a bike until some lady turned a left turn in front of him said she never saw him. He was like WTF, I was right there. He scarred up one side of his whole leg up when he skidded sideways to stop. My brother said he had other close calls and folks just do not seem to see folks riding bikes like they do cars. Wear something colorful! :)

Yup... ride like you're invisable is what I've been told.

Just got back from the DMV and have my operating permit so as soon as my helmet gets here I'll be on the road =D.

Gonna ride the back roads around where I live for a few hundred miles before I get on the highway. Unfortunatly, my truck is on the fritz (wouldn't start for 2 days, then suddenly decided it would) and I need to go to LA on Friday... soo...

Try riding a bicycle! I do a lot of cycling and I cringe every time an 18 wheeler zooms past me.

Nice bike. I ride a Triumph Sprint myself.

The "invisibility" issue is very true, which is why I went totally ostentatious on it with orgasm red paint job, ultra-reflective jacket, mismatched-high contrasted color riding gear, etc.

Would a strobe light help? Like the ones school busses have on them?

Possibly, but they're generally not legal for non-emergency vehicles and for good reason -- you don't want the general morons ^W public becoming inured to them and starting to ignore them like street signs.

Yeah... my jacket has reflectors in it... but most of my gear is black. I didn't really plan it that way, but thats how it worked out. I almost bought a triumph daytona 600, but the guy ended up selling it to someone else. Oh well, I like the bike I got.

I went for my first ride yesterday. It was amazing. I road all back-roads over to my family's house. Got up to 70 at one point. Exciting lol. My bike doesn't have a wind-screen, so at 70 it felt like the wind was trying to peel me off the bike. I like the feeling of the wind rushing past, but I plan on going on some long rides this summer (4 hrs up to Monterey... possibly a 12 hr up to Oregon) and it may get wearisome. I liked this bike because the riding position is really comfortable. You sit more upright and your legs aren't as tucked behind you.

Its funny, though... my first ride and somebody cut me off because they just didn't realize I was there. Guess I just have to get used to that..

Maybe a foghorn as well as a strobe, then.....

I always wanted a WWII army Harley with sidecar but I am a big guy and it would look funny. I am thinking of either getting a Fatboy or having a custom trike made. I love the trikes that have the old style rumbleseat in the back.

Working on a project bike can be fun, if you have the patience, money, access to parts, and something to start with; and, there are not a lot of the WWII side-car setups around that have not already been restored with hefty price-tags attached.

Trikes are always cool to go to, but you need to remember that like side-car setups, they take a bit of learning to ride. As far as the Fatboy, if you can afford a few more bucks, the Heritage really is a nice bike for road trips.

I would upload some pics of my last four bikes, but for some reason I can never get any of the pics I scan to upload; must be a symptom of my computer illiteracy. They are all Harley too, so being American made might be the glitch......<snicker>.:cool:

FYI, a junebug at 70mph is similar to a 22 short round in the forehead. :eek:

Lol... tonight I was on my way to my family's house and drove through a swarm of gnats at 65... damn near blinded me (coated my helmet with dead gnats).

Yup... ride like you're invisable is what I've been told.

That's interesting and exactly opposite to what Harley riders say :)

Be safe and enjoy your new toy. I can honestly say I'm jealous. As much as my wife wants me to get a Harley Davidson, the kid in me would like nothing better than to get one of those.

I'll never understand why anyone with a family would buy a crotch rocket like that. I'm more probably conservative then others though due to how many people I've known that have died on them.

Nice bike! With gas prices going up and up I really thought about getting a bike again, but I am maniac on a bike so I avoid it. I love speed and going fast...I'll stick to boats for fun.

I always wanted a WWII army Harley with sidecar but I am a big guy and it would look funny. I am thinking of either getting a Fatboy or having a custom trike made. I love the trikes that have the old style rumbleseat in the back.

Check out the new issue of Maxim magazine, page 50, for an introduction to Harley's new model, the Softail Cross Bones. A nice throwback to the post WWII models being put together by the "enthusiasts" back then from stripped down Army issue bikes. SRP: just under $17k.

It grabbed me instantly! :cool:

Now, off to go break some piggy banks open and start counting change.


Edit: here is the link to the Harley site, with that nice model. FLSTSB is the model.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2008_Motorcycles/2008_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US&swfsection=family&swffamily=so

I'll never understand why anyone with a family would buy a crotch rocket like that. I'm more probably conservative then others though due to how many people I've known that have died on them.


Well... I'm 25 and single. ; p

I ride conservatively at the moment, being that I've only been riding for a week. I think the most I'll work my way up to is splitting lanes in stopped traffic. I see guys shooting through flowing traffic all the time at 70+. I'll never be that guy.

Oh man... great ride today! After work I rode down Hwy 1 to Malibu (about a 1/2 hr ride from where I am). Was beautiful. Right in Malibu I hit a warm pocket for about a mile... made me really look forward to summer riding.

Today was a good day to ride the PCH. Too bad I was in a rental car for this trip up the 1, since I was driving back from LAX, but the bikes were out in force. Neptune's Net had a full parking lot. Traffic was slow the whole way (stupid lane closures near Leo Carrillo beach) but if I was on my bike, I doubt I would have minded.

Yeah... I was going to do the same ride today (You probably would have seen me lol) but I wasn't feeling well. Fighting off a cold.

I stopped at Neptune's and had something to eat yesterday. Nice little place to rest.

I have been going through all my financial options looking at how I could squeeze enough out to buy the new Harley Crossbones, especially with gas going up and up and up. I figure I can save between 1200 and 1500 from May 1 to Oct 1, using a bike instead of my SUV going back and forth to work.

The Harley will cost approx $17.5k, after all is said and done. I paid $13.5k for the SUV brand new, and can use it 12 months out of the year. Because of this, I started looking at used bikes, and I may be able to pick up a used Yamaha V-Star for under $3500. I have owned 5 Harleys, and I love those bikes, but I think I can settle for a used Yamaha at $14k savings, if I can score the Yamaha before someone else does. Those goddamm yuppie stockbrokers and such drove the price of Harleys out of most normal folks reach, just so they could park one in their drive-ways and look cool.

Gas prices are getting frakking ridiculous, and I need some relief! I figure two years on the Yamaha from 4-15 thru 10-15 and it would pay for itself.

Well, I bought that '99 Yamaha V-Star 650 for $3200 the end of April from a private party, with just under 6k miles on it. I had not ridden since selling my last Harley in '92 or so. Riding in to work in the morning (approx. 24 mile ride) was extremely enjoyable to say the least, after all those years.

Yesterday, I went to the local Yamaha dealer to get a decent windshield and saddle bags, to make things easier on this old man. I ordered the parts, and set a time to bring the bike in to have stuff installed, along with some basic maintenance, and was walking through the show room on my way out when I was smacked up side the face by a beautiful 2007 blue on black V-Star 650 with all the accessories I wanted to outfit my used bike with (shield, bags, forward controls with boards rather than pegs) and I was in love. (Yeah, long sentence, I know)

Long story short, I asked the price ($5899) and asked if they would be taking trade-in. I lost a few hundred bucks but am ecstatic with a brand new bike (only miles on it are mine) with everything I wanted to outfit the used one, and am looking forward to the savings in gas-spending paying for it within four years, maybe five, compared to the two years I expected with the used bike.

I LOVE THE FRAKKIN' WIND IN MY FACE!


Will get a picture posted when I figure out this new Nikon camera I bought, with Bushie's stimulus.

Awesome Byl. Congrats!

Yeah... I just got back from San Francisco yesterday. Was a great ride back (till it got foggy near the coast), but the trip up there from Ventura (SoCal) was rough on Friday. The wind was the worst I've had to deal with yet. It was a really strong wind, blowing directly at me. Made me really wish I had a windscreen. I'm thinking about getting the fairing for my SV now because of it. I ended up spending half the trip laying on my tank bag because my neck was killing me from fighting against the wind. Probably looked funny, but I really didn't care at that point.

I had my first accident a couple weeks ago. I was turning left on a green arrow. An old man in a huge van was facing me, in the right turn lane. As I start taking the turn he rolls right on through his stop, which I didn't really care that much about since we were turning onto a two lane street. Half way through the turn I realized that he was turning into my lane. I hit the breaks (in a turn.. just like they tell you not to) and sure enough, the bike dropped (I know there's several things I could have done to prevent it, but that doesn't matter now heh). It was really low speed, so there was no major damage to the bike (few scratches to match the other side), but I was just wearing jeans (as opposed to my padded riding pants... yeah yeah, I know what I said, but I was just riding down the road, in the city) and my knee took the impact first. Didn't even break through the jeans, but still its been pretty tender since.

Like they say... its not IF its WHEN. I picked the bike up and hopped right back on, though >=)

Glad to hear it was not worse, and you were able to ride away.

Always be watching for the idiots.

Here is what $5899, minus trade-in, got me.

Doh, left the key in ignition, so you get to see that cute little yellow tag hanging, hehe.

Beautiful bike, I'm jealous. Any tips on convincing my wife I won't die the moment I ride out of the driveway? She's anti-motorcycle, and I've been itching to get one for a few years now. Your picture isn't helping.

Beautiful bike, I'm jealous. Any tips on convincing my wife I won't die the moment I ride out of the driveway? She's anti-motorcycle, and I've been itching to get one for a few years now. Your picture isn't helping.

Well, just don't let her know about folks like the senior citizen I met yesterday who decided he could roll through his stop sign and hang a left turn in front of me. I caught him at the next stop sign, with his window down, and politely asked him if he left the house with the intention of taking someone's life, to which he replied, "You aren't hurt, are you?".
/sigh

If she relents and lets you get a bike, remember to always be watching for the idiots, 'cus they are not watching for you.

Good luck to you, tho'. :)

Here is what $5899, minus trade-in, got me.

Doh, left the key in ignition, so you get to see that cute little yellow tag hanging, hehe.


Thats pretty much just like my bike I recently got - recently as in last week.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/06-10-08_1400.jpg


07 Yamaha Vstar Classic 650 Cruiser with Saddle-bags, windshield, and foot-boards. 3999 miles on it and the only damage it had (the guy had bought it for his wife) she dropped it while at a stop light, and picked it up and let it fall on the other side... so there is minimal scratches on the back of each mirror and some small scratches on the pipe but nothing you can really see at all, and nothing I give 2 shits about.

$4200


A guy where I live is selling the same bike with 1000 miles on it, without all the extras and no cosmetic dmg for $5500. So I am pleased with my purchase.

Nice bikes guys =D

Grats! Nice buy! I know you will enjoy it. :D

I tried to argue that if I could have a bike, she could have a baby. That argument failed, since apparently my chances of owning a life threatening piece of machinery dramatically decrease once I have live offspring. So now I guess she gets a baby and I still don't have a bike.

Beautiful bike, I'm jealous. Any tips on convincing my wife I won't die the moment I ride out of the driveway? She's anti-motorcycle, and I've been itching to get one for a few years now. Your picture isn't helping.

V-Stars are nice.

Motorcycle safety is really blown out of proportion. About 75% of accidents begin with "So I was doing something really dumb" and end with "if only I'd been wearing my helmet." I ride nearly every day in a city full of the worst drivers this side of Latin America that is known for very high winds and have had zero close calls ... don't gun it into a blind curve in the rain and you've just avoided half the vehicular Darwin-awards.

The best thing you can do is take the MSF-certified training and safety course in your area, which will also net you an insurance reduction with most places, and let your wife know that people who have taken said course are only involved in ~5% of motorcycle accidents. I'm sure they'll tell you the current numbers in the course. I try to take that every 2 or 3 years to break any bad habits I've developed. Most of them will supply the bike (usually a virago or rebel 250).

Oooh, great tip, thanks! I could use a safety course refresher anyhow.

Well since my last post, I have sold my 650 Vstar and purchased this new toy and have let the mods begin!

08 Suzuki Boulevard M109r (1800cc 127 stock horse power)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/Bikes/CIMG1747a.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/Bikes/CIMG1748b.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/Bikes/CIMG1749b.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/Bikes/CIMG1750a.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/Bikes/CIMG1751a.jpg


And here are some links to videos with my new tail light and turn signals in action:
http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/Bikes/?action=view&current=CIMG1753.flv

http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/Bikes/?action=view&current=CIMG1754.flv

I love the new Boulevard. My brother-in-law is probably going to get one next year. Grats Immort. But 1800cc... DAMN... hehe.

I love the new Boulevard. My brother-in-law is probably going to get one next year. Grats Immort. But 1800cc... DAMN... hehe.

It's ridiculously powerful, to put it mildly :D

how's the Rav4 runnin?!

Thats a kick ass looking bike man.

how's the Rav4 runnin?!

I dunno - you'd have to ask the wife; that's her piece of shit - although I did have to replace her brakes and rotors this past week cause she doesn't know wtf REGULAR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE means... :devil


I only ride on black and chrome :cool:

Think you are going to miss the windshield. Nice new toy, tho'! :)

Think you are going to miss the windshield. Nice new toy, tho'! :)


I did miss it a lot at first. It was a big concern of mine, especially while riding in the rain. However after riding without one for a while now, I love riding without one - and now I wear a full face helmet so the rain doesn't affect me at all.

I only ride on black and chrome :cool:

Not sure why I found this so funny, but it had me lollin ) Nice rides!

Immort,

Think you need to share your work out routine and nutritional supplemention!!

How fast that bike go in the 1/4 mile you think?

Immort,

Think you need to share your work out routine and nutritional supplemention!!

How fast that bike go in the 1/4 mile you think?


If you're serious about my workout and nutritional information; I will post it up (dunno where that question came from, unless you were able to pull other pictures from the album out of my photobucket by playing with the URL and actually came across a picture of me in there).

In regards to the quarter mile, it will haul ass - it will do it in 10 seconds. I have blown many sport bikes away before they realize wtf is even happening. Its only once we hit speeds of 140+ that they end up catching back up due to having a much higher top end. However off the jump, this bike blows the bars off of em :D

This review says it will do it in 12 seconds, but it has been proven by multiple riders (m109riders.com) that it can be done without any modifications in 10 seconds: http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4216203.html

I am serious caught a few pictures while looking at the other ones and considering I have worked out for many years, looks like you could do some teaching in regards. I believe you most likely are one hell of a clean eater for sure. Looking good man! Cool on the 1/4 mile...would have to hang on for dear life.

I am serious caught a few pictures while looking at the other ones and considering I have worked out for many years, looks like you could do some teaching in regards. I believe you most likely are one hell of a clean eater for sure. Looking good man! Cool on the 1/4 mile...would have to hang on for dear life.


Funny you say that - when I test drove one of them first (first bike I've ever driven without a windshield...) I DID have to hold on for dear life! It was really kinda scary at first until I got used to it. I was stuck in traffic during the test drive and this old lady was in the fast lane doing 65 and wouldnt let anyone pass - I was in the right lane. When I finally got a chance to shoot the gap infront of her, I dropped the gear and within 2 seconds I swear I went from 65 to 120 and was white-knuckling the grips like no other. It was really intense...



I just got offered a personal trainer position at a new gym franchise location near where I work pretty much based only upon my appearance. So it looks like I might be picking up a second job as a trainer this week, which I hope will be a fun way to earn some extra money training a few clients here and there. Ive gone through 2 interviews with them and should actually hear back today. He only brought in 7 people for the second interview and he has to staff the entire gym; and he said I was one of his top candidates so Im expecting a call from him today to offer me the position.

In regards to my eating habits - over the last 3 years or so I have ate very clean. I have always been fairly lean due to my insanely high metabolism; but about 2-3 years ago I really wanted to see how far I could take it so I really began focusing on my diet. Obviously depending upon my goals at the time, whether it be bulking or cutting, my diet will change accordingly in order to stay within the caloric range that benefits my body the most. I have been on a fairly low calorie/fat diet while doing carb management/cycling for quite some time now.

Due to a change in my work schedule, I am currently working 4 days a week - so I am on a 3 day per week workout routine because I don't like going to the gym after work when its crowded, and I have to be at work so early that I can't get a workout in before because the gym doesn't open until 5am.



So on the days that I work and do not workout here is my typical diet on most average days.

4:45am
1/4 cup oatmeal 50mg whey

6:30
all natural peanut butter sandwich on wheat - 50mg whey in 8oz 2% milk

9-10ish
small serving of tuna salad laced with egg whites, celery etc - 1 egg yolk.
a few table spoons of all natural peanut butter (ANPB) here and there if I get hungry. A lot of times I cruise on sugar-laced coffee at work which keeps the hunger at bay, but is obviously my weakest point of my diet due to the high amount of sugar.

1pm
large serving of tuna salad - 1 piece of wheat bread
25mg whey in 8oz 2% milk

3pm
more tuna salad (unless I bring something like chicken and eat it either here or for my 1pm meal)- no more bread (at this point I start lowering my carb intake)

5:30pm whenever I get home
50mg whey in 8oz 2% milk

Dinner whenever the wife makes it
lately A LOT of salads and fish (salads made with everything you can imagine, including boiled egg whites - fish mostly tilapia, salmon and SOMETIMES some cracker-crumb breaded catfish... always baked)
But whatever dinner is, its always clean and high protein like fish, chicken, steak etc and lately has mostly been as carb free as possible.


On the days that I workout here is my typical diet:

7am
1/4 cup oatmeal 50mg whey

off to the gym

9:30-10ish when I get home
2 fried eggs, 4-6 egg-whites, 2 pieces of wheat toast
75mg whey in 10-12oz 2% milk

11ish whenever I get hungry
50mg whey blah blah ANPB sandwich on wheat

1ish
pretty much the same as 11 - unless there's something good leftover from the night before etc

3pm
Just a shake - 50mg whey with milk

typically an early dinner on these nights cause im starving by the time the wife gets home :D

50mg whey shake before bed usually with 6oz 2% and 2oz water.



Thats the basic foundation for my diet right now. I will do that for 2-3 days, then the wife and I will cheat and go for beer and pizza, or have pasta and go carb crazy - the go minimal on the carbs for 2-3 more days etc. I try to limit my carb intake after mid-afternoon. My body seems to respond well to this routine and it hasn't gotten monotonous yet because we break it up with cheat meals here and there which is mainly for her benefit and not mine - Im low maintenance I could eat the same thing all day every day... I dont care.

This wasn't very "bike" related was it? :cool:

Think you are going to miss the windshield. Nice new toy, tho'! :)

If you want a windshield, go get a Jeep. The Boulevards are nice, I had considered getting one back when I got the Triumph, would definitely take them over a comparable Harley any day.

If you want a windshield, go get a Jeep. The Boulevards are nice, I had considered getting one back when I got the Triumph, would definitely take them over a comparable Harley any day.

Triumphs are nice - so are Victory's. Just a lil too pricey for me. Dollar for Dollar I couldn't see a better buy than this m109. You definitely get the most bang for your buck... especially when you compare them to Harley's. A comparable harley to my bike right now would run well over 20k. Plus I don't want to feel like Im riding a vibrator when I get above 70mph, lol.

What kind of Triumph are you riding?

Yeah... I'd be taking a million pictures of myself if I looked like that too :devil

On the windshield topic... I've never ridden with one, so I guess I don't know what I'm missing. One thing that sucks is when the Santa Ana winds are kicking up and I have to ride into them (riding to Monterey for instance). Other than that I barely notice. I remember when I first started getting on the highway I felt like the wind was trying to pull me off the bike at 70 - 80. Now I do 90 - 100 without a concern. When I get over 100 I usually tuck in, so I don't really catch too much wind. I mainly do commuting on my bike, though, so I don't go over 90 often.

Like e-stalker Ibudin and e-stalker Akom, I checked out your pictures after they were mentioned. I must say I am disappointed because I always thought you were around my age :( Way to let me down!

This is my seventh bike, and other than a '75 Electra Glide, the only one with a windshield. The reason I wanted one now is that at 56 years of age, I am finally paying more attention to only having one functioning eye and the ever slowing reflexes that make dodging incoming bugs a tad more difficult. :p

I used to make the same smart ass comments like Malse when I was a smart ass younger rider, so I fully understand.

And with regard to vibration at high speeds, the Harleys have gotten much better with their engine mounting and suspensions. In the past tho', it was great foreplay taking a gal for a ride, 'cus things were going to be jumping as soon as you got to your place or hers. I have to say that the Yamaha soft tail and shaft drive provide a suspension that is substantially better than anything I have ridden by Harley (keep in mind I have not ridden any of their new bikes the last ten years).

I used to make the same smart ass comments like Malse when I was a smart ass younger rider, so I fully understand.

You have to wear a helmet in the majority of states regardless, try investing in a visor at higher speeds ... how is the Hover-round holding up?





What kind of Triumph are you riding?

Ended up with a Sprint 1050 for the ABS, given it rains so frequently here, but was very tempted by the Rocket3. I'm more of a cruiser rider, but the Sprint isn't too rice-rocket.

You have to wear a helmet in the majority of states regardless, try investing in a visor at higher speeds ... how is the Hover-round holding up?



Not in Minnesota, and I won't wear one. I watched a helmet crack in half when dropped by a customer once while at a dealership, and lost any faith in them.

Not in Minnesota, and I won't wear one. I watched a helmet crack in half when dropped by a customer once while at a dealership, and lost any faith in them.

Well, we wouldn't want to let engineering get in the way of anecdotes. That particular may have been damaged but if you're allowed to only provide for a single collision, there are fascinating things you can do by distributing the dangerous force into the binding energy of the barrier itself. They're only intended for one impact, but extremely good at providing a cushion against it.

No faith required, just science. There was a great DOT report on the subject I can probably find again if anyone would read it.

Like e-stalker Ibudin and e-stalker Akom, I checked out your pictures after they were mentioned. I must say I am disappointed because I always thought you were around my age :( Way to let me down!


Sorry bro, I turned 30 this year. Im getting up there...

Im glad I didn't post any pics from other albums in there you nosey bastards!


Yeah... I'd be taking a million pictures of myself if I looked like that too :devil

Those pics of me were taken by another guy up here that works with me and rides. We typically ride out of here together until the interstate splits and he goes one way and I go the other. He loves my bike, so he likes taking pics of it lol.

Here's a few quick and relatively safe, non brokeback mountain-type pics... (I somewhat regularly take pics to track my workout progress etc)

Im putting them as links and not embedding the image because I AM half naked in these - so you have the choice to click or not to click. And these are the only 3 in the album I just created, so no sense snooping around for more you sick bastards :D

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/temp/08-20-07_1417a.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/temp/09-06-08_0443a-1.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/immortalis88/temp/09-25-08_0453a.jpg


Soooo... do I look like a "tank"? :D

Oip, no fapfap kplzthx!

On the windshield topic... I've never ridden with one, so I guess I don't know what I'm missing. One thing that sucks is when the Santa Ana winds are kicking up and I have to ride into them (riding to Monterey for instance). Other than that I barely notice. I remember when I first started getting on the highway I felt like the wind was trying to pull me off the bike at 70 - 80. Now I do 90 - 100 without a concern. When I get over 100 I usually tuck in, so I don't really catch too much wind. I mainly do commuting on my bike, though, so I don't go over 90 often.

I was the same way with this bike at first - felt like I was having to white-knuckle at 70mph just to hold on... now I dont get that way until after 100mph. I mainly use my bike for commuting to and from work... but it seems like everytime I hit the interstate on this bike now I look down and im like "Shit, Im doing 95..." lol. This thing loves to run.


...

And with regard to vibration at high speeds, the Harleys have gotten much better with their engine mounting and suspensions. In the past tho', it was great foreplay taking a gal for a ride, 'cus things were going to be jumping as soon as you got to your place or hers. I have to say that the Yamaha soft tail and shaft drive provide a suspension that is substantially better than anything I have ridden by Harley (keep in mind I have not ridden any of their new bikes the last ten years).

Its true they have gotten better - but its still there. I enjoy comfort... and I don't typically need assistance with foreplay so that doesn't play into the equation with me :D . Another buddy of mine got a brand new 08 harley (I cant recall what kind off the top of my head) and it still vibrates like fucking crazy. As soon as he starts it up you can see that engine just rockin its ass off. My Yamaha 650 Vstar that I got rid of was really, really smooth - I just didn't enjoy being Tac'd out at 80-85...


Ended up with a Sprint 1050 for the ABS, given it rains so frequently here, but was very tempted by the Rocket3. I'm more of a cruiser rider, but the Sprint isn't too rice-rocket.

Nice - and those RocketIII's are nasty also. Very very quick "cruisers"... hehehe.


Not in Minnesota, and I won't wear one. I watched a helmet crack in half when dropped by a customer once while at a dealership, and lost any faith in them.


I HATE wearing a helmet. There is not a helmet law where I live - its either A) helmet or B) eye wear. So I used to only wear sunglasses and loved it. When I got the new bike my wife was on my ass hardcore about a helmet (shes such a pussy its not even funny...) so finally to shut her up I got a full face one. Thankfully tho, it at least keeps me warm on the ride in now that its gotten cold hehe. And its taken a few blows from some bigass beatles too.... so I guess its been a good thing to have. It doesn't change the fact that I still hate wearing it tho... :(

Thanks for the info Immortalis, pretty straightforward. Its safe to say along with your excellant diet, you have a ton of gentics playing for you as well. Good luck on the training, glad you may get a shot at it. To many people who study the books and think they have a great work out plan and diet, yet dont show it so its hard to take them seriously. I hit 37 this year, so 7 years ahead of you. You wont loose any strength as long as you want it, and Opiunx im not estalking!! Its a bad habit of checking non passworded photbucket accounts, some people put some pretty funny things in there:p

I know this thread is old, but I finally got my bike. A beautiful 2001 Vulcan 800 Classic, priced and sized perfectly for me. The guy had it stored (properly), so it's almost brand new. An MSF course with my wife and a small fortune in gear later, and I spent several hours today just out riding.

I love the windshield - you get up above 50 or so, and it makes a huge difference. I had originally planned to take it off, but...

Heated hand grips, gel seat for my butt, and a handful of other little custom items. I thought the hand grips were silly too, but as soon as it cooled off tonight I enjoyed them.

Nice! Congrats. Its been (relatively) cold here so I haven't been riding nearly as much as I would have liked to. Was a beautiful weekend (mid 70s) but I ended up being busy all day yesterday and today. Gonna ride to work tomorrow since its supposed to be nice all day. I need to do a pleasure ride soon, though.

Very nice ride. :)

Grats!

Thanks!

One last - a better picture that's not from the for sale ad...

Very nice bike Kan. I was looking at the big boy Vulcan 2000 when I was shopping around. I really like that bike - and I miss my windshield (only sometimes ;) )

April 17, and I rode to work today, putting my first 50 miles on the bike for the season.

It was in the 50's when I got up and turned on the news, and hit 73 for a high. Tomorrow should still be close to 50 in the morning, and mid to upper 60's for the day. Unbelievable getting the bike out this early in Minnesota most years, other than short little trips in the afternoon with full sun.

I be a happy camper! :D

It's supposed to hit 94 on Sunday, we're going out riding early in the morning. I've been rubbing in our good weather with poor east coasters, but my fun here is about to end.

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I got tired of being blown around by the wind on that 650 Silverado, and went shopping.

The new Harley Heritage would cost me $18k+.

The bike I picked up this morning cost me 1/2 that, with a fuel injected, liquid cooled 80 cubic inch 1300 engine, a soft tail frame, and enough weight and giddy-up to make me content.

And, they gave me top trade dollar on the 650 I bought from them last June. I put 60 miles on this morning while the front was moving in, and the difference against those winds was great. :cool:

Admit it, your gonna miss all the protien from the bugs in your teeth.

Nice ride! I wish Harley's were a bit more sane in price, other than more chrome you don't seem to actually get more bike.

107 the other day here, my riding days are getting shorter.

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=0&Category_ID=4&manufacturer_ID=4&product_ID=24909&sblid_name=Cobra_Speedster_Xtra_Longs___V_Star____ __Tourer_______


Got up this morning and took a quick little 50 mile trip before tackling yard duties; first day of vacation is always the chore day. Going to be great weather all week, so I will get plenty of riding in I am sure.

While out there enjoying myself, I became acutely aware of how quiet this two-into-one exhaust system is, and while I am no longer the young rebel of my youth, I do want to hear the rumble of my engine. So, I am doing my part to pump money into the economy and ordered some nice new pipes from a dealer in California. I turned 57 last month, so I justified this as my belated birthday present. :D

Soon, I will be a bit more noisy on my relaxing cruises! Maybe that will alert the deer to stay out of my way too!!!

If you cant set off the car alarms in those little plastic "Tokyo drift" wanna be racecars whats the point?

The perfect type of birthday present.

It's finally cooled down enough here to start commuting, and I'm thinking about my pipes as well. I might start by just drilling out the baffles, there are several great guides for that.

As one person said, it doesn't need to be ear blasting loud, I just don't want my v-twin to sound like a VW bug.